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Pierrelatte

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City
—°7812
Pierrelatte (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Pierrelatte

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The best time to visit the famous crocodile farm (La Ferme aux Crocodiles) is early morning to avoid the crowds.
  • Parking in the city center is generally straightforward; use the spots near the old town for a short walk to the Pierrelatte rock (Rocher).
  • It can get very hot in the Rhône Valley during summer, so plan outdoor activities for the morning.
  • Many small shops close for a few hours around noon, so stock up on snacks beforehand.

🍽 Food

🍽
Côtes du Rhône wines

Taste the local wines at a wine shop (cave) in the town center or at a nearby vineyard.

🍽
Picodon goat cheese

Buy this tangy cheese at the local market, which is usually held on Fridays.

🍽
Nougat

With Montélimar so close, you can find excellent nougat in local sweet shops.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Weekly market

Visit the traditional Friday morning market in the city center for fresh regional products.

🛍
Old town boutiques

Discover small shops selling Provençal products around the base of the rock.

🧘
Rocher de Pierrelatte

Take a leisurely walk on and around this prominent rock for a beautiful view of the valley.

🧘
Lac de Pignedoré

A recreational lake just outside of town, well-suited for a quiet waterfront walk or a picnic.

Highlights of 2026

7

Pierrelatte is a fascinating town in the Drôme department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, situated in the vast alluvial plain of the Rhône River. Its name and skyline are dominated by the 'Rocher,' a solitary limestone outcrop that rises abruptly from the flat landscape, according to legend, a stone cast aside by the giant Gargantua. For centuries a quiet farming community, Pierrelatte's destiny was transformed in the 1960s with the construction of the Tricastin nuclear site, one of France's largest and most significant energy hubs. This development spurred rapid modernization and economic growth. Paradoxically, the nuclear industry supports one of the town's top tourist attractions: the Crocodile Farm (La Ferme aux Crocodiles), which uses industrial excess heat to maintain a tropical sanctuary for hundreds of reptiles. The town center retains a classic Southern French feel, characterized by lively squares and traditional architecture. Beyond the industry, the region is famed for its lavender fields, olive groves, and the production of Côtes du Rhône wines, making Pierrelatte a unique intersection of heavy industry and idyllic Provence.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C3371014192222171273
Rain mm62505774775345487511311668

Geography

Population
12,691
Coordinates
44.37750, 4.69610

Facts

  • The Pierrelatte Rock is roughly 30 meters high and 100 meters long.
  • The Crocodile Farm houses more than 400 crocodiles and giant tortoises.
  • The Tricastin nuclear site features four 900 MW pressurized water reactors.
  • Pierrelatte is a major stop along the historic Route Nationale 7 highway.
  • The municipal museum displays significant Roman and medieval artifacts.
  • The town experiences more than 2,500 hours of sunshine annually.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Pierrelatte (8)

La Ferme aux Crocodiles🌿 nature

A massive tropical greenhouse and zoological park housing over 400 crocodiles and various rare reptile species.

Le Rocher de Pierrelatte🌿 nature

A huge limestone rock standing alone in the plain, which gave the town its name and is a unique geological site.

Musée Municipal Yvon Guéret🏛 museum

The local history museum showcasing the heritage of Pierrelatte through archaeological finds and regional artworks.

Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste⛪ religious

The town's main church, an impressive religious building featuring ornate interior decorations and a long history.

Chapelle des Pénitents⛪ religious

An easy on the eye chapel in the old town that once served as a religious guild headquarters, now used for culture.

Tour de l'Horloge🏺 historical

The historic clock tower, a symbol of the town's municipal independence and a landmark in the ancient district.

Lac de Pignedoré🎡 recreation

An artificial lake on the outskirts of town, offering facilities for swimming, sailing, and pleasant family picnics.

Espace touristique des Crocodiles👨‍👩‍👧 family

Espace touristique des Crocodiles is a theme park located in Pierrelatte. It provides engaging attractions suitable for the whole family.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous sight in Pierrelatte?
La Ferme aux Crocodiles, a massive greenhouse housing over 400 crocodiles, giant tortoises, and exotic birds.
Where does the name Pierrelatte come from?
The name comes from the massive limestone rock in the town center, which according to legend was dropped there by the giant Gargantua.
What can you do at the rock?
There is an open-air theater at the foot of the rock and paths that offer a panoramic view over the Rhone Valley.
How is the climate in Pierrelatte?
The climate is Mediterranean, with hot summers and the characteristic Mistral wind, which often results in clear skies.
Are there good excursion spots nearby?
The Ardèche Gorges (Gorges de l'Ardèche) and the Castle of Grignan are reachable in less than 30 minutes.
Pierrelatte: where is it located?
Pierrelatte is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Pierrelatte: what is there to see?
Highlights include La Ferme aux Crocodiles, Le Rocher de Pierrelatte, Musée Municipal Yvon Guéret.
Pierrelatte: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Pierrelatte: why is it worth visiting?
Pierrelatte is a fascinating town in the Drôme department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, situated in the vast alluvial plain of the Rhône River.
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